IPL 2020: KL Rahul’s Blistering Century Makes Punjab Win Against RCB

We have witnessed the first ton in IPL 2020 right in the sixth match of the tournament. It was KL Rahul who registered the highest individual score for any Indian batsman in the IPL. Rahul’s crackling innings (132*) helped Kings XI Punjab to win against Royal Challengers Bangalore by 97 runs. RCB’s defeat became certain after it lost three wickets in the first three overs while chasing a massive total of 207.

KXIP was invited to bat by RCB during the toss. They got a stunning start from the openers, Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul. Both of them made a 57-run stand for the first wicket. RCB needed Yuzevndra Chahal to remove Mayank Agarwal and give a breakthrough to the team. After Mayank’s dismissal, Nicholas Pooran partnered with Rahul and gave the latter good support. They also made 50 runs plus partnership.

Pooran then got dismissed with a soft catch by de Villiers. Later, Maxwell came and went without making any impact. After that, Rahul got good support from Karun Nair. Both of them played sensibly until the 16th over and then shifted to a monstrous game. Punjab scored 74 runs in the last 24 balls. RCB’s Dale Steyn got smashed for 57 runs in his four overs.

RCB needed a good start while chasing this total. But the openers failed to give it as the young Devdutt Paddikal got dismissed in the first over. RCB then lost both Josh Philippe and Virat Kohli in the next two overs. Their score was 5 in the first three overs, with a loss of three wickets. Aaron Finch and AB de Villiers then took care of the game for a few overs. But they got dismissed in the eighth and ninth overs.

RCB lost half of its batsmen in less than 10 overs. Punjab’s win was evident right in the first half of the second innings. Finally, RCB got all-out for 109 in 17 overs . Young Ravi Bishnoi and Murugan Ashwin impressed by taking three wickets each. Sheldon Cottrell picked up two crucial wickets. Punjab will face Rajasthan Royals on September 27. RCB will take on Mumbai Indians on September 28.